February 12, 2003

Galveston College Board of Regents

The Galveston College Board of Regents discussed budgetary cutbacks Wednesday night.

Galveston College President Dr. Elva Concha LeBlanc reminded the regents that Governor Rick Perry has requested a seven percent cutback in spending of state funds in this year's budget, and that she expects a 19.5 percent reduction in state funding next year. Listen

Among her recommendations to meet the reductions is a cutback in courses offered in the summer schedule, with encouragement to students to sign up for "virtual college" courses; a reduction in the number of days the college is open during the summer, with employees working four, ten-hour days each week; an overall four percent reduction in the various college budgets; and a reduction in travel, except in cases where commitments have already been made.

To prepare for the 2003-2004 budget, LeBlanc recommends a review of all programs, a "flexible" hiring freeze, a review of travel expenses and a tuition increase.

"For every dollar we increase, the college generates approximately $30,000 annually," LeBlanc said as a justification for the tuition increase.

LeBlanc reported to the board on problems with the new SunGard software.  She said a "strong letter" is being written to the president of SunGard listing problems with the software.  

There was good news at the meeting.  Credit student enrollment for the spring semester is at 2,648, a record, according to Janice Stanton, a longtime member of the board.